Published in:
01-06-2012 | Original Article
Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: Intravenous Versus Oral Route
Published in: The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India | Issue 3/2012
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Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron with oral iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy.
Methods
A randomized experimental study was conducted at K. J. Somaiya Hospital involving 200 pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. In the intravenous group iron dose was calculated from: Total iron dose required (mg) = 2.4 × weight kg × target hemoglobin − actual hemoglobin) g/dl + 500.
Target hemoglobin was set at 12 g/dl. In the oral group patients received 200 mg oral ferrous ascorbate daily. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin were reviewed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Paired and independent t test was applied.
Results
The change in hemoglobin and ferritin levels from baseline was significantly higher in the intravenous group than the oral group at each measurement (P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Intravenous iron elevates hemoglobin and restores iron stores faster than oral iron, with no severe adverse reactions.